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Writer plans London temple to atheism

CWN - February 03, 2012

A Swiss writer and philosopher has announced plans to build a £1M ($1.58 million) temple to atheism in London.

“Normally a temple is to Jesus, Mary, or Buddha, but you can build a temple to anything that's positive and good,” said Alain de Botton. “That could mean a temple to love, friendship, calm, or perspective. Because of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens atheism has become known as a destructive force. But there are lots of people who don't believe but aren’t aggressive towards religions.”

“Atheists don’t need temples,” countered Dawkins. “I think there are better things to spend this kind of money on. If you are going to spend money on atheism you could improve secular education and build non-religious schools which teach rational, skeptical critical thinking.”

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Show 3 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: Salome - Feb. 05, 2012 5:00 AM ET USA

    Could someone please enlighten me as to when the services are.

  • Posted by: Gil125 - Feb. 03, 2012 3:42 PM ET USA

    Mildly funny. But at a million pounds in London, it's going to be a pretty small temple.

  • Posted by: AgnesDay - Feb. 03, 2012 2:06 PM ET USA

    I've just got to see how this one works out.

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